News

Amesbury Co-op site plan

MORE details have emerged about a retirement complex that could transform a disused supermarket in the centre of Amesbury.

Developer McCarthy & Stone wants to turn the derelict Co-op building in Salisbury Street into about 35 apartments for older people.

Beneath the development would be retail space that could be let as one large shop or three smaller units.

A public exhibition has been planned so that people in the town can find out more about the scheme before a planning application is submitted next month.

The building has been empty for the last six years and has been branded an eyesore that is hindering Amesbury’s efforts to attract more visitors.

Project architect Jose Mayorga-Williams told Amesbury Town Council on Tuesday that the new apartments would improve the appearance of the area.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to develop the site,” he said. “We would give it a more attractive elevation, use a range of building materials more in keeping with the rest of Amesbury and provide new pedestrian access from the town centre to the car park.”

The developers are also looking at the possibility of rebuilding the public toilets to provide better facilities.

The development would include 18 residents’ parking spaces, a landscaped outside area, communal areas and warden’s office.

If approved, it is likely to take 12 months to build.

The project is a joint scheme between McCarthy and Stone and the Co-op, which would rent out the shop units.

“At the moment that building is a liability and a loss of revenue,” said Matthew Stafford from the Co-op. “We would be keen to rent it out and that could be to a perceived competitor.”

The public exhibition takes place on Friday, January 25 at Antrobus House in Amesbury from 3pm to 7pm.